The All Saints' softball team returned to the field April 26 for a double header against Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Woodbridge. 

It was a special night. Not only was this All Saints' first softball season since COVID, but the opener came on the same day as Jim Exnicios' funeral. 

Jim, who passed away March 24 at the age of 74 from brain cancer, was a long-time member of the All Saints' softball team. It meant a lot to his family to know we were starting back up that night. We dedicated both games to Jim.

We lost each game, but held our own, dropping the first one 11-8 and nearly rallying in the second before falling short 16-8. 

Everyone contributed from making key catches in the field to keeping the scorebook or generating key hits. 

The best thing is the team's makeup. We have a cross section of ages from young, older and everyone in between represented on the team. We also have both men and women on the team. It's wonderful to see. 

A huge thank you to Reilly Pachecano for spearheading this effort. And also a thank you to those fans who braved the cold weather April 26 to cheer us on. 

We finished the night with both teams coming together to form a circle in the infield and holding hands while Father Jedd led us in a closing prayer. It was a good reminder of why we were there regardless of what the scoreboard said.  

We play two back-to-back hour-long games on Fridays, all at the Pfitzner Complex in Woodbridge. This Friday, we start at 6:30 p.m. The schedule is available on the All Saints' website at Softball — All Saints' Church.  

Enjoy photos from Friday night’s game below!